Best Tours in Amsterdam
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Top sights in Amsterdam
All self-guided activities

This self-guided audio walk explores Jewish history, wartime memory, and the layered heart of old Amsterdam. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want more than postcard views and are interested in museums, monuments, and the stories carried by streets, squares, and canal-side buildings. Your route begins at the Jewish Museum, where four former synagogues introduce centuries of Jewish life in the Netherlands through ceremonial objects, art, and personal history. From there, you continue to The Dokwerker, the strong bronze figure that remembers the February Strike of 1941, then to the National Holocaust Names Monument, where brick walls and steel letters form a moving landscape of remembrance. The walk then leads to the grand Portuguese Synagogue, completed in 1675 and still glowing with historic atmosphere. After that, you cross into the world of Rembrandt at his former house, pass the tall Zuiderkerk, and continue toward Dam Square, where the National Monument stands in pale stone before the imposing Royal Palace. The tour ends at the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht. Along the way, the most memorable moments include standing beneath the high windows of the Portuguese Synagogue, reading names etched into memory, seeing the tower of Zuiderkerk rise above the roofs, and finishing beside the canal at one of Amsterdam’s most powerful historic sites.

This self-guided audio walk explores historic Amsterdam through canals, church towers, market lanes, and harbor edges. It suits first-time visitors, curious walkers, and anyone who wants to understand how trade, faith, and daily life shaped the old city while seeing it up close. Your route begins at Zwanenburgwal, where calm canal water reflects narrow brick houses and rows of tall windows. From there, you follow the old waterways to Oudeschans, then return toward the elegant Zuiderkerk and the stately stretch of Kloveniersburgwal. The walk continues past the former Spinhuis and the quiet Walloon Church before opening into lively Nieuwmarkt. After the square, you slip into smaller streets along Bloedstraat, reach the historic spine of Zeedijk, and pass through narrow Spooksteeg. The tour ends at Damrak, after a stop by the Schreierstoren, the medieval tower by the water that once stood at the city’s edge. Along the way, you can expect memorable contrasts: still canals beside busy streets, a 17th-century church linked to Monet, the stout silhouette of the Waag near market stalls, the layered character of Chinatown on Zeedijk, and the salty, harbor-side feeling near the old tower at the end of the walk.

Every city has its own legends and secrets. During this tour, you will get to know Amsterdam from another mysterious side: you will listen to the stories about betrayals, secrets, fires, and murders. Have you ever heard "Lie for Pampus" or "Fighting against the beer guy" sayings? Well, now you will learn about their origin. Furthermore, you'll get a unique chance to discover the history of two paintings by world-famous Rembrandt: "The anatomy lesson" and "Elsje Christiaens." You will also visit the magnificent secret church — Our dear Lord in the attic. Hidden in the usual house, this church was built by Catholics centuries ago and survived till nowadays. This is definitely not the last secret of Amsterdam you'll discover — wandering around breathtaking canals of the city; you will listen to the city legends about them (do you know that summers used to be one of the hardest times for citizens because of the terrible smells from the canals?). Near the canals, you will learn the stories of several historical spots: Sjakoo's fort named after the local Robin Hood who was arrested, the amazing theatre of Amsterdam, which no longer exists, and the Rasphuis — a prison where criminals were re-educated and forced to work. Also, you will gaze at the mysterious house with the bloodstains left by a wealthy man who lost his mind and covered the stones with his blood, drawing strange religious symbols. Are you ready to discover dark legendary Amsterdam? Let's go!

⚠️ Please pay attention that this tour is without tickets ⚠️ Treat yourself to an unforgettable artistic experience and explore one of the world's most famous museums with this private in-app audio tour. The Rijksmuseum's collection features some of the nation's most famous works. Learn more about art history and admire internationally renowned masterpieces by Vermeer, Frans Hals, Rembrandt, and other notable artists. On this tour, you will have a chance to explore the outstanding works of the Dutch Golden Age masters. Discover how these artists determined the history of Dutch art and learn how it has evolved since then. Dive into the history of Dutch art while listening to the stories about the most exceptional masters and their techniques. We will focus on The Tree of Jesse, Worship of the Golden Calf, The Milkmaid, The Night Watch, The Battle of Waterloo, and many other masterpieces. Enjoy every detail and get inspired by the mastery of the greatest Dutch artists!

Turn your phone into your personal interactive tour guide and enjoy the sights of central Amsterdam on a 3-hour bike tour with an audio guide. You’ll see important historical sites as well as some of the city’s hotspots. The tour will give you tips on where to rent a cheap bike. In addition, you'll be cycling along the famous Amsterdam canals, your audio guide will show you the New Market, the Old Church, the Red Light District, the Royal Palace, the Western Church, the Jordaan district, the 18th century Dutch East Indian Company ship and you'll have a chance to enjoy the beautiful views over the IJ River and the canals. Enjoy a pleasant break in the Vondelpark. You’ll see some of the city center’s beautiful but less well-known spots as well. You can stop at any place you want, your mobile guide app will tell you about the history of the sites that you’re visiting and also about Amsterdam culture.

Embark on an enriching stroll through time with this self-guided audio tour of Old Amsterdam. Tailored for history buffs and those intrigued by the interwoven narratives of commerce, culture, and architecture, the tour provides an immersive experience into the heart of Amsterdam's storied East Side and the Jewish District. Immerse yourself in the merchant city’s legacy, starting at the lively Nieuwmarkt and concluding your journey at the modern Odebrug, where innovation meets history. The carefully curated route navigates through cobbled streets, past historic monuments, and along serene waterways, offering a clear sense of direction from bustling marketplaces to tranquil quays. The journey includes the solemn Auschwitz Monument, vibrant Zeedijk, and the innovative Oosterdok Island, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the city's layered past. Noteworthy stops like the Resistance Museum and the Maritime Museum transform the cityscape into a living storybook, revealing Amsterdam's transformation over the centuries. Along this auditory exploration, experience moments of reflection and awe, from the poignant National Holocaust Memorial to the impressive architecture of the Portuguese Synagogue and the lush greenery surrounding the Hortus Botanicus. The tour paints an intricate picture of a city that has seamlessly blended its rich seafaring heritage with an ever-evolving cultural identity, leaving you with lasting impressions of Amsterdam's indelible mark on history.

Amsterdam is a city full of history, charm, and cultural treasures waiting to be explored. This self-guided tour takes you through the heart of Amsterdam, revealing its most iconic landmarks and their stories. Start at Central Station, a beautiful architectural marvel. From there, walk towards the Beurs van Berlage, the historic stock exchange, known for its striking design and its role in shaping Amsterdam’s financial history. Next, visit the National Monument at Dam Square, a solemn tribute to World War II victims, and then discover the Nieuwe Kerk, a stunning Gothic church with a rich past. Adjacent to it stands the Royal Palace, where you’ll learn about Amsterdam’s royal connections. Continue your journey to the renowned Anne Frank House, where you can reflect on the legacy of Anne Frank. Then, explore the serene Begijnhof, a hidden courtyard offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy streets. Explore the bustling Red Light District, a historic neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere and cultural significance. Here, you’ll also visit the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest church, filled with art and history. Finally, your tour wraps up at Nieuwmarkt, a lively square steeped in history. Join this tour and enjoy the rich stories, iconic landmarks, and cultural gems that make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Cities in Netherlands
About Amsterdam
The best walking tours to do in Amsterdam are:
- Amsterdam: Fabrique des Lumières "From Vermeer to Van Gogh" Ticket & City Audio Walk
- Amsterdam: Madame Tussauds Ticket and an Audio City Walk
- Amsterdam: Moco Museum Ticket and City Discovery Audio Tour
- Amsterdam: BODY WORLDS Ticket and Audio Walk Through the City
- Amsterdam: Heineken Experience Entry & Guided Tour with an Audio City Walk
The best indoor tours in Amsterdam for rainy days are:
The must-see attractions in Amsterdam for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Amsterdam
Rolf Laimbock is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2020 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Amsterdam on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Amsterdam.
When I visit Amsterdam for shopping, I usually skip the obvious chains and head for De 9 Straatjes first. Between the canals, I browse independent fashion, vintage, and design stores tucked into old merchant houses. For sharper local style, I recommend the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk area in Amsterdam; locals know it for small concept shops, excellent delis, and bookstores. If you visit Amsterdam and like contemporary labels with a more polished feel, Oud-Zuid around Beethovenstraat is a smart choice. In my travel guide Amsterdam, these are the areas I mention most because they combine browsing with some of the best things to do in Amsterdam: walking, people-watching, and café stops.
When I’m in Amsterdam on my own, I always start with a slow walk through the Jordaan early in the morning, before the cafés fill and the canals turn busy. For solo visitors, it’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Amsterdam because you can move at your own pace, browse small galleries, and sit unnoticed with coffee on the Noordermarkt. I often continue to the Begijnhof or the canal belt, which belong high on any list of what to see in Amsterdam. Unlike many tours in Amsterdam, this feels personal. These quieter corners are also among the most memorable attractions in Amsterdam for people traveling alone.
In my travel guide Amsterdam, I usually recommend three full days in Amsterdam as the sweet spot. That gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the city: an unhurried canal walk at dusk, a museum morning, and a neighborhood like De Pijp or the Jordaan where Amsterdam feels lived-in rather than staged. When I visit Amsterdam myself, I find two days can work if you stay central and choose carefully, but four lets you add ferries to Noord or a slow afternoon in the Plantage. For me, the best things to do in Amsterdam reveal themselves when you leave space between plans.
When I want a break from the center of Amsterdam, I head just beyond it to places that still feel connected to the city’s history. The ferry to NDSM is one of my favorite short escapes; in Amsterdam, it gives you a rawer, creative side with street art and old shipyard buildings. I also recommend taking the train to Haarlem for an afternoon, especially for quiet hofjes and excellent small museums. If you’re comparing attractions in Amsterdam with what to see in Amsterdam nearby, these are the places I mention first. Unlike many tours in Amsterdam, they let you feel how the city opens outward into very different neighborhoods and towns.
If you plan to visit Amsterdam around a major event, I’d time it for King’s Day in April or the Grachtenfestival in summer. King’s Day shows Amsterdam at its most exuberant, but I prefer the smaller pockets: families selling old treasures on the streets of the Jordaan and canal-side music drifting through quieter blocks. In my travel guide Amsterdam, I also highlight Open Monumentendag in September, when historic buildings in Amsterdam open doors usually closed to the public. For me, these are among the most memorable things to do in Amsterdam because they reveal the city’s character, not just its postcard image.
When families ask me where to go in Amsterdam, I often suggest the maritime area around Het Scheepvaartmuseum. For me, it’s one of the smartest things to do in Amsterdam with children because the old harbor setting already feels like an adventure, and the full-scale VOC ship draws them in immediately. From there, I like walking toward the Oosterdok, where Amsterdam opens up with wide views and room to move, which parents appreciate. Among the classic attractions in Amsterdam, this area feels less cramped than the canal core. It also works well if you’re deciding what to see in Amsterdam without relying on standard tours in Amsterdam.
In my travel guide Amsterdam, I always say the city makes most sense on foot, with trams for longer stretches. When I visit Amsterdam, I walk the canal belt and Jordaan because distances are shorter than they look, and you notice the details that make Amsterdam special: crooked gables, hidden courtyards, flower boxes leaning over bridges. For neighborhoods like Amsterdam Noord or the eastern docks, I use the free ferry or tram rather than a bike; locals know cycling here can feel hectic if you do not know the rhythm. For me, combining walking with public transport is one of the most practical things to do in Amsterdam.






